Installing 64 bit over 32 bit install

[Mi5]

After using the 32 bit version of Ubuntu I want to give the 64 bit version a try, can I install the 64 bit version without reformating the hard drive or losing the programs currently installed

[drs305]

You have to do a clean install to upgrade to 64-bit. I was going to provide the commands for importing your currently installed apps but will have to research it a bit. I can tell you the new repositories will contain only apps compatible with your new 64-bit system.

The command to save your currently installed apps is:


sudo dpkg --get-selections | grep -v "deinstall” >$HOME/Desktop/installed-packages


The command I was going to supply would recreate your current system's apps exactly but don't know if that is wise when transitioning from 32 to 64 since the command also removed apps.

[Mi5]

Thanks